"Don't look like that," cried Carrbroke, laughing. "I said smuggle; I didn't say steal. I thought you might feel as if you'd like to have one of these charms which hold such magic power." "I am not afraid of being poisoned," said Denis huskily. "Here, come away from this; show me something else." "Oh, haven't you seen enough? But I say, is this better or worse than Fontainebleau?" "Oh, I don't know," said Denis hastily, for he felt mentally disturbed. "They are both beautiful places. Where does that corridor lead?" "All along one side of the King's apartments." "Well, let's go down there." "But there's nothing to show you but furniture and walls covered with arras and--oh yes, there is: I know. I say, you haven't got any secret passages at Fontainebleau?" "We have all kinds of places hidden in the walls. Have you got any here?" Carrbroke nodded. "I say, we are friends, aren't we?" "Of course; the best of friends." "Then I'll show you something; only it's a secret. Not that it matters about you knowing it, as you are not going to live here. It's something I found out myself. I was on duty here--as page in attendance on the King--one evening, just at dusk, and the candles weren't lit. There had been a grand banquet the night before, with music and dancing, and I'd been up all night, and just as it began to grow dark I turned so sleepy I couldn't keep my eyes open. I tried ever so hard, but it was of no use, and I sank down in a chair close up to the hangings in a dark corner, and was asleep in a moment. I don't think it could have been long before I woke up again with a start. I suppose some noise must have woke me, and I sat there staring and wondering where I was, for I felt quite stupid, when all at once the arras that covered the wall just opposite to me seemed to open, and something dark came out, to stand still for a few moments as if listening. Then there was a rustling of hangings, and the dark figure came straight towards me, making me turn cold; for I felt then that I had been asleep, and I thought it was some one come to punish me. But the figure did not come close up to where I sat, but suddenly turned off towards a light which appeared at the end of the corridor and came nearer, while directly after I made out that some of the servants were bringing in candles, and directly after, though I only saw his back, I knew it was the King." "Then he didn't see you?" said Denis. "No, fortunately for me." "Then he must have come out of some secret passage." "That was it, and of course you know what I did afterwards--not then, but the first day that I had the chance?" "Searched for the secret door, of course. I should." "Yes, and I found it; and that's what I'm going to show you. We are not likely to be disturbed now." Before many minutes had elapsed the two youths were standing in front of a huge needlework picture representing a classic scene, covered with warriors and triumphal cars.